COURSE OVERVIEW:

The purpose of this course is to provide specialized technical expertise in the communication protocols and infrastructures used to manage electrical power systems. Modern power grids and industrial electrical networks rely on high-speed, deterministic data exchange to ensure stability, protection, and efficient load management. This program focuses on the unique requirements of electrical substations and power plants, where communication must survive high-voltage interference and provide millisecond-level response times for protection logic.

The scope of this training encompasses the international standards for power system automation, specifically focusing on IEC 61850 and DNP3. Participants will explore the diverse physical layers used in power communications, including Power Line Carrier (PLC), fiber optics, and wireless microwave links. The curriculum is specifically designed to address the convergence of traditional SCADA systems with advanced Substation Automation Systems (SAS) and the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs).

Coverage includes the practical aspects of managing Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), configuring GOOSE messaging for high-speed protection, and ensuring network cybersecurity. Attendees will learn how to troubleshoot communication bottlenecks in a substation environment, synchronize clocks using PTP (Precision Time Protocol), and manage the transition from legacy serial protocols to modern Ethernet-based architectures. By focusing on the reliability of the data layer, the course ensures that participants can maintain the automation networks that prevent blackouts and optimize power delivery.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Analyze the requirements for high-availability power system communications.
• Identify the layers of the IEC 61850 standard and its benefits.
• Differentiate between DNP3, Modbus, and IEC 60870-5 protocols.
• Configure GOOSE (Generic Object-Oriented Substation Event) messaging.
• Implement Precision Time Protocol (IEEE 1588) for clock synchronization.
• Manage Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) across a substation network.
• Understand the role of Power Line Carrier (PLC) in long-distance telemetry.
• Design redundant network topologies (PRP and HSR) for power applications.
• Troubleshoot fiber optic links and Ethernet switches in high-voltage areas.
• Secure power automation networks against cyber-attacks (NERC CIP).
• Integrate SCADA systems with Substation Automation Systems (SAS).
• Execute commissioning and testing of communication-based protection loops.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is intended for Electrical Engineers, Substation Technicians, SCADA Specialists, and Automation Engineers in the Power Sector.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximize the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.